Quinn Ewers has come back with a bang, starring in the Texas Longhorns’ romping victory over the number-18 ranked Oklahoma in week 6 of the CFB. Ewers, who has been out since September 15 with an oblique injury, returned to the team as QB1. His impact on the receivers, particularly the Tight-End Gunnar Helm, was evident throughout the game, which the Longhorns won 34-3.
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A novelty play during the final few moments of the game gave the Longhorns an even bigger lead on the Sooners. The connection between Ewers and Helm was helped on by WR Mathew Holden.
Ewers threw a quick lateral slant pass to Holden, who then threw it 30 yards down the field. However, he left it a little short and the ball went into double coverage. This is where Helm came in as he leaped into the air and caught the ball before going down at the 1-yard line. Ewers benefitted from the play, rushing the ball toward the end zone for a TD.
NO WAY @QuinnEwers ➡️ @MatthewGolden_2 ➡️ @gunnar_helm pic.twitter.com/nvsEsFJjsE
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 12, 2024
The QB passed for 191 yards, one TD, and a pick while Helm led the team in receiving yards with 91 yards on just five receptions to go with one TD. It seems the TE, who only had 6 catches for 31 yards combined when playing with Arch Manning, missed his QB1.
In the games that Ewers has started, Helm has averaged 70 yards and two touchdowns per match while without his favorite QB, his average dropped to 15.5 yards and O TDs. Helm played four games this season with Quinn, and he has 280 yards on 15 receptions. The Longhorns QB1 clearly likes the big man down the field.
Helm’s presence down the field, especially in the end zone, is important in big matches, especially against the top-ranked opponents. Against Michigan Wolverines, he had seven receptions for 98 yards and one TD, while Ewers threw for 246 yards and 3 TDs.
Quarterbacks are often tasked with spreading the ball across the offense, but many have a favorite target they consistently rely on.
Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne showcased a strong connection at Clemson, a bond the Jaguars preserved by drafting both players. Similarly, Tua Tagovailoa’s chemistry with Jaylen Waddle during their Alabama days led the Dolphins to reunite them, selecting Waddle a year after drafting Tua.
In college, Davante Adams caught 233 passes for over 3,000 yards from Derek Carr during their time together at Fresno State. Carr threw for 9,187 yards and 87 touchdowns in those two seasons, so it was no surprise when Adams chose to join his former college quarterback in Las Vegas.
Joe Burrow’s partnership with Ja’Marr Chase not only won LSU a national championship but also propelled the Bengals to the Super Bowl, solidifying one of the most electric QB-WR duos in the NFL.
And while the electric connection between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce might not have been formed in college, they are still the golden QB-TE duo of the NFL.
It seems Ewers and Helm are building something similar in Texas. That said, the Longhorns will take on 5th ranked Georgia Bulldogs and fans will get to see this famed connection once again, this time against a strong defense.
